in truth

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseformal

   Used to state what is really true, often when admitting something.

   Grammar: Comes at the beginning or end of a clause, or after a comma. It does not change form.

   Patterns

   • in truth, ...
   • ... , in truth

   In truth, I was relieved when the meeting was canceled.

   She said she was fine, but in truth she was exhausted.

   In truth, no one expected the team to win.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseformal

   In reality or in fact, used to contrast with what seems to be true.

   Grammar: Often contrasts an appearance with a fact. It can stand alone at the start of a sentence.

   Patterns

   • in truth, ...

   The painting looks old, but in truth it was made last year.

   In truth, the problem was not money but time.

Common combinations

in truth, ...

In truth, I had forgotten all about it.

but in truth

He smiled, but in truth he was worried.

in truth, it was

In truth, it was the best decision we ever made.

Synonyms and how they differ

actually

More common in everyday speech and can correct a wrong idea; 'in truth' is a little more formal.

really

Used to emphasize reality, but it is less formal and can also mean 'very'.

to be honest

Very common in conversation when admitting something; 'in truth' sounds more written or literary.

Commonly confused: in truth or truth?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “in truth”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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